About the song
For anyone who truly appreciates the raw, untamed spirit of American music, particularly those who’ve witnessed its evolution firsthand, there are certain performances that just stick with you. And when it comes to the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley, while known for his iconic ballads and rock anthems, he also had a remarkable knack for taking a song and completely making it his own, injecting it with an energy and charisma that was simply unmatched. He wasn’t just a singer; he was a force of nature, a cultural phenomenon who could transform any tune into an unforgettable experience.
One prime example of this transformative power is his electrifying rendition of “Polk Salad Annie”. Originally written and performed by the swamp rock master Tony Joe White in 1969, this song is a gritty, atmospheric narrative that paints a vivid picture of rural Southern life. It’s a tale steeped in the earthy realities of poverty, resilience, and the almost mystical connection to the land. When Elvis took hold of it, he didn’t just cover it; he inhabited it. Released as a live performance on his 1970 album On Stage, Elvis’s version became a staple of his later concerts, a showcase for his commanding stage presence and his deep, guttural vocal delivery.
What makes “Polk Salad Annie” so captivating, especially for those of us with a bit of mileage on our internal turntables, is the sheer visceral energy Elvis brings to it. He understood the song’s rootsy charm, its blend of blues, funk, and country, and he amplified it to stadium-rock proportions without losing an ounce of its authenticity. The way he growls, twists, and moves through the lyrics about a tough Southern girl and her family’s struggle, you can almost smell the humid air and feel the dirt underfoot. It’s a testament to his genius that he could take a somewhat niche regional song and elevate it into a universal statement of raw power and undeniable groove. For a more seasoned listener, it’s a reminder that true artistry lies not just in writing a song, but in bringing it to life with every fiber of your being, and Elvis certainly did that with “Polk Salad Annie”.
When we speak of Elvis Presley, it’s impossible to overstate his impact on popular music and culture. He was, quite simply, the King, a force of nature who fused blues, gospel, and country into something entirely new – rock and roll. While his early hits defined an era, it was his triumphant return to live performance in the late 1960s and early 70s, particularly in Las Vegas, that showcased a more mature, powerful, and utterly captivating side of his artistry. He wasn’t just performing songs; he was embodying them, transforming them with his singular charisma and dynamic stage presence.
Among the many gems from this period, one track stands out for its raw energy and gritty authenticity: “Polk Salad Annie”. Now, this song wasn’t originally an Elvis creation; it was written and first performed by the swamp-rock legend Tony Joe White in 1968. White’s version painted a vivid picture of rural Southern life, a tale of a tough girl and her family, subsisting on “polk salad” (a dish made from the greens of the pokeweed plant). But when Elvis got his hands on it, he didn’t just cover it; he inhabited it. He understood the narrative, the earthy roots, and the underlying tension that made the song so compelling.
For those of us who remember seeing Elvis in his prime, or who appreciate the evolution of a true performer, his rendition of “Polk Salad Annie” is a masterclass. It became a staple of his live shows, a moment where he could truly let loose, combining his powerful vocals with his iconic karate moves and a primal energy that captivated audiences. He’d deliver that spoken-word intro, setting the scene with his deep Southern drawl, and then explode into the song, bringing the characters and the swampy atmosphere to life. It was a departure from his more polished pop hits, showcasing a bluesier, grittier side that resonated deeply with audiences looking for something real. The song’s narrative of resilience in the face of hardship, combined with its undeniable groove, made it a perfect vehicle for Elvis to express the raw power that still pulsed within him, proving that even as the King, he never lost touch with the soulful roots of American music.
Video
Lyrics
(words & music by tony joe white)
Some of you all never been down south too much…
I’ gonna tell you a little story, so you’ll understand where i’m talking about
Down there we have a plant that grows out in the woods and the fields,
And it looks something like a turnip green.
Everybody calls it polk salad. now that’s polk salad.
Used to know a girl that lived down there and
She’d go out in the evenings to pick a mess of it…
Carry it home and cook it for supper, ’cause that’s about all they had to eat,
But they did all right.Down in louisiana
Where the alligators grow so mean
Lived a girl that i swear to the world
Made the alligators look tamePolk salad annie
‘gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the mama was working on the chain-gang
What a mean, vicious womanEveryday before suppertime
She’d go down by the truck patch
And pick her a mess of polk salad
And carry it home in a tote sackPolk salad annie
‘gators got you granny
Everybody said it was a shame
’cause the mama was working on the chain-gang
Whoo, how wretched, dispiteful, straight-razor totin’ woman,
Lord have mercy.Sock a little polk salad to him
Yeah, you know what, yeah, yeahBut daddy was a lazy and a no-count
Claimed he had a bad back
All her brothers were fit for
Was stealing watermelons out of my truckFor once polk salad annie
‘gators got your granny
Everybody said it was a shame
For the mama was working on the chain-gangSock a little polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
You sock a little
Hey, hey, hey, yeah, yeah
Chic a bon, chic a bon, chic a bon bon bon bon
Chic a bon, chic a bon, chic a bon bon bon bon
Sock a little polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
Sock a little polk salad to him
You know what meets a meal mention
Chinc, chinc, chinc, chin, ling, ling ling
